Monday was “Peggy Shannon Day” in San Diego, so declared by the City Council which also publicly apologized to her as part of a settlement of her claim that she was sexually harassed by former Mayor Bob Filner.

Shannon said she initially resisted the idea but was convinced to accept the declaration by friends, acquaintances and people at the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center.

“There was no way I could turn this down,” Shannon said during remarks to the council. “I really appreciate it — it’s very humbling.”

Interim Mayor Todd Gloria said Shannon deserved the recognition.

“Peggy had the courage to stand up and speak the truth to power,” he said.

Shannon, 67, was surrounded by the interim mayor, Mayor-elect Kevin Faulconer, City Attorney Jan Goldsmith and her attorney, Gloria Allred, as she made her brief remarks. Shannon also thanked reporters who covered her story, saying they made her feel special.

Shannon, a great-grandmother who staffs a City Hall information desk for senior citizens, will receive no money as part of the settlement.

She was among nearly 20 women who made claims of sexual harassment and misconduct against Filner, who resigned last August and later pleaded guilty to three charges related to his behavior.

She complained the discredited former mayor would stop by her desk and make suggestive remarks. That escalated to a day when he grabbed her and kissed her on the lips, and on another occasion when he asked, “Do you think I could go for eight straight hours?”

Allred also represented former Filner communication chief Irene McCormack Jackson who sued the former mayor and city. Jackson received a $250,000 settlement from the city.

“My law firm and I are proud of Peggy,” Allred said, adding San Diego may be the first city ever to publicly thank and proclaim a day of honor for a sexual harassment victim.